NJ Police Dispatcher Faces Aggravated Manslaughter Charge

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — A police dispatcher who authorities say was driving drunk when he struck and killed a pedestrian earlier this month has been charged with aggravated manslaughter.

Bail was set at $200,000 cash for 36-year-old Galloway Township resident Richard Doherty, who works for the Absecon police department. He could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted, but his attorney told The Press of Atlantic City that his client would fight the charges.

The crash occurred in the early morning hours of Feb. 6. Authorities have said Doherty was driving southbound on Tilton Road when he struck 29-year-old township resident Alfonso Dickerson, who was walking on the road's southbound shoulder.

Dickerson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Doherty initially was charged with drunken driving. He remains suspended with pay